Glossary

Pain

A sensation or perception of hurting, ranging from discomfort to agony, that occurs in response to injury, disease or functional disorder. Pain is the body’s alarm system, signaling that something is wrong.

Patella

The knee cap, or bone that sits over the other bones at the front of the knee joint and slides when the leg moves. It protects the knee and gives leverage to muscles.

Pauciarticular

A form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis characterized by the initial involvement of four or fewer joints.

Pediatric rheumatologist

A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis and related conditions in children.

Physical therapist (PT)

A licensed healthcare professional trained to use exercise to treat medical conditions and create rehabilitation treatment plans. A PT may prescribe canes and splints and some are trained in massage.

Placebo effect

A phenomenon in which a person, who is receiving an inactive drug or treatment, experiences a reduction in symptoms, as if he or she were receiving the active drug or treatment.

Plantar fasciitis

An inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tendon-like structure on the bottom of the foot that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot, maintaining support of the arch. Inflammation may occur for a number of reasons, including changes in activity, weight gain and improper shoes.

Podiatrist

A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the foot. Also called a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a podiatrist receives a DPM degree from one of the seven colleges of podiatric medicine and must complete a two- or three-year residency, or hands-on training, prior to practicing.

Polyarticular

A form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis characterized by the initial involvement of more than four joints.

Polymyositis

A disease in which generalized weakness results from inflammation of the muscles, primarily those of the shoulders, upper arms, thighs and hips. When muscle weakness is accompanied by a skin rash, the diagnosis is dermatomyositis.